If you’re craving something comforting yet light, my Garlic Butter Noodles are about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. They’re rich and buttery without feeling heavy, made with clean, better-for-you ingredients that make every bite worth savoring.
The star of this dish is grass-fed butter—and yes, it makes a difference. Grass-fed butter is packed with more omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K2, and antioxidants than conventional butter. It gives these noodles a rich, velvety flavor while also being a healthier fat source.
A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end adds the perfect refreshing brightness, balancing the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
And the noodles? I’m picky about them. My two favorites for this recipe are:
- Jovial Organic Brown Rice Spaghetti Noodles – Naturally gluten-free, organic, and with a classic pasta taste.
- Banza Chickpea Spaghetti Noodles – Gluten-free, high-protein, and perfect if you want an extra boost of nutrition.
Both options give you that satisfying pasta texture without the heavy gluten crash.
BE SURE TO SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD FOR LATER!
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Noodles
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Gluten-free – With two amazing noodle options.
- Versatile – Serve on its own or add shrimp, chicken, scallops, or tofu.
- Balanced flavor – Rich buttery sauce with a hint of spice and refreshing lemon.
Ingredients:
For the noodles:
- 8 oz. spaghetti noodles (Jovial brown rice or Banza chickpea)
- 3 tbsp grass-fed butter
- 3 shallots, diced
- 4 tsp garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Parsley or microgreens for garnish
For the shrimp (optional but recommended):
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 tbsp grass-fed butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp – In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp grass-fed butter. Add shrimp, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until shrimp is pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
- Start the sauce – In a large skillet or wok, melt the remaining 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Sauté – Add diced shallots and garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add seasonings & cheese – Stir in salt, pepper, chili flakes, oregano, basil, onion powder, thyme, and Parmesan. Cook for 1–2 minutes, or until cheese melts.
- Combine pasta & sauce – Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water and lemon juice. Toss well to coat.
- Add protein – Add cooked shrimp (or chicken, scallops, or tofu) to the skillet. Toss gently to incorporate.
- Garnish & serve – Top with parsley or microgreens and serve immediately.
Substitution Ideas
- Vegetables – Add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or asparagus for extra nutrition.
- Chicken breast or thighs – Season and cook the same way as shrimp.
- Scallops – Pan-sear for 1–2 minutes per side before adding to pasta.
- Tofu – Pan-fry or air-fry for a plant-based protein option.
Storing & Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Add a splash of water or broth to the pasta before reheating on the stovetop over medium-low heat to keep the sauce creamy. Or if you do not have time to do that, you can just zap it in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the grass-fed butter for a dairy-free butter alternative and use vegan Parmesan.
Can I use regular pasta?
Absolutely. If you’re not gluten-free, traditional spaghetti works just fine—just try to choose an organic variety.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! If serving to kids, simply reduce or omit the chili flakes for less heat.
Check Me Out On Social Media!
I post all of my recipes on social media as well and you can stay up-to-date on what I am up to! Also, I love seeing people try my recipes! When make these, snap a picture and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Butter Noodles are the ultimate combination of comfort and freshness. Whether you make them for a cozy date night, a quick weeknight dinner, or meal prep for the week, they’ll deliver restaurant-worthy flavor every single time.
Pair with a simple side salad and a glass of crisp white wine, and you’ve got dinner magic in under 30 minutes.
garlic butter noodles, garlic butter pasta, healthy garlic butter noodles, gluten free garlic butter pasta, gluten free noodles recipe, Jovial brown rice spaghetti recipe, Banza chickpea pasta recipe, garlic butter shrimp pasta, grass-fed butter pasta, lemon garlic butter noodles, easy garlic butter pasta, high protein gluten free pasta, better for you pasta recipe, shrimp garlic butter pasta, healthy comfort food pasta, weeknight pasta recipes, quick shrimp pasta recipe, gluten free shrimp pasta, creamy garlic butter pasta, pasta with grass-fed butter, lemon garlic pasta, gluten free dinner idea, healthy shrimp pasta, garlic butter pasta with Parmesan, garlic butter noodles with lemon, high protein pasta dinner, Garlic Butter Noodles with Shrimp – Healthy, Gluten-Free Comfort Food
The BEST Garlic Butter Noodles
Description
If you’re craving something comforting yet light, my Garlic Butter Noodles are about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. They’re rich and buttery without feeling heavy, made with clean, better-for-you ingredients that make every bite worth savoring.
Ingredients
For the noodles:
For the shrimp (can use any protein you prefer):
Instructions
-
Cook the shrimp – In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp grass-fed butter. Add shrimp, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until shrimp is pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
-
Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
-
Start the sauce – In a large skillet or wok, melt the remaining 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
-
Sauté – Add diced shallots and garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant.
-
Add seasonings & cheese – Stir in salt, pepper, chili flakes, oregano, basil, onion powder, thyme, and Parmesan. Cook for 1–2 minutes, or until cheese melts.
-
Combine pasta & sauce – Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water and lemon juice. Toss well to coat.
-
Add protein – Add cooked shrimp (or chicken, scallops, or tofu) to the skillet. Toss gently to incorporate.
-
Garnish & serve – Top with parsley or microgreens and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings 5
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 390kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15.2g24%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Cholesterol 152mg51%
- Sodium 751mg32%
- Total Carbohydrate 38.1g13%
- Dietary Fiber 2.2g9%
- Sugars 0.9g
- Protein 26g52%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Did you make this recipe?
The next time you make it, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!:)
Please note that my nutrition label is approximate and can have slight rounding. Macros can very depending on brands you use.
